Christmas Day - Whats everyone been drinking??

[Craig(NZ)]

Xmas Eve

Moet NV
2007 St Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
2002 Fromm La Strada Riesling
2005 Pegasus Bay Riesling
2004 Dry River Martinborough Terrace Gewurztraminer
1994 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

I have read a few negative reviews on this vintage of 707 on this forum but I have to say I was most impressed as were the other 4 people I shared it with. Pristine fruit, very youthful, very cabernet, nice level of ripeness very classic. Another 15 years in the tank I think

The full line up was outstanding witht the 2 rieslings showing exceptionally. The Dry River, although not a classic vintage, showed great power and structure - a regal wine.

Xmas Day

Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs
2007 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Deutz Marlborough Cuvee
Moet NV
and more Moet NV (gets tough going after a while)

I have to say the 07 CBSB is one of the most disappointing vintages in memory for me. It is just plain ordinary. I really dont think its gonna do the usual trick of coming right either. Going nowhere.

C

[camw]

Today was a Lanson 1990 (lovely), Thomas Braemore Semillon 2007 (excellent) and a Brokenwood ILR Semillon 2001 (very good) followed by the always outstanding Seppelt DP59 Rare Tokay.

[Mark S]

Mount Mary Chardonnay 2001 - no way would I ever have picked this as a chard blind - maybe sem/sav blend - nonetheless, a wine of obvious class & sophistication, subtle aroma, palate of minerals, some oatmeal, prominent acidity, complex citrus/restrained florals. So fresh tasted like it was made this year.

D'berg Dead Arm 1997 - bit concerning on opening - brownish tinge, roughish tannins and decayed fruit - seemed out of whack - with time in the glass, came together somewhat, the obvious oak melding with the very developed fruit, a big rich hot-climate shiraz style past its best by a year or 2, but still enjoyable in a sluttish way.

Yarra Yarra Reserve Cabernet 1998 - in a league of its own - superbly balanced varietal cab, with all components singing a Christmas oratorio in perfect tune. Still youthful with many years in front of it, not as in-your-face as many Coonawarra examples.

Seppelt Para Port 1983 - the very definition of tawny, in colour at least. Powerfully perfumed, with a strongly rancio'd palate, very sweet without being cloying, immensely pleasurable.

[ChrisV]

Quite quiet today actually, kicked things off with a Rockford Black 2003 disgorgement, classy wine but a little sweet for my taste. Then to go with the prawns at lunch we opened a bottle of 07 Polish Hill River, and what on Earth? Flabby and insipid, absolutely no backbone. I will have to try another bottle sometime because I can't believe the normally consistently excellent O'Leary Walker made a wine that bad. We had to call up a bottle of Peter Lehmann Eden Valley Riesling, a pretty good wine that rose to the occasion nicely.

[Jordan]

Xmas Eve

Larmandier-Bernier Rosé de Saignée Brut 1er cru NV – aromatic, quite punchy, fresh acid and plenty of body with subtle red fruit flavours. Very good.
Rockford Black Shiraz (Disg 2006) – nice and fresh, plenty of plummy fruit and chocolate tones
1997 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling – sensational. No kero but honeyed fruit and notes of toast and preserved lemons and grapefruit. A wine at or approaching its peak.
2000 Mt Mary Pinot Noir – close to the best Aus Pinot that I have enjoyed. Excellent bottle which showed a fine structure of tannins and fresh acid and a silky mouhtfeel. Classic notes of sour cherry and forest fruits with a hint of mushroom and undergrowth. Great poise and balance.
1992 Wendouree Malbec – deep, brooding wine. Lots of dark fruit and touches of mint and eucalypt.
1997 Wynns John Riddoch Cab Sav – a little tannic and herbal. Maybe needs more time?
2003 Chateau Rieussec Sauternes – rich, forward style. Lots of delicious sweet fruit upfront with notes of marmalade and toffee. Very rich for Sauternes.

Xmas Day

Rockford Black Shiraz (Disg 2005) – nice balance between rich fruit and hints of leather and earht
Rockford Black Shiraz (Disg 2007) – too young, needs time to settle, but enjoyable nonetheless.
2002 Orlando Steingarten Riesling – very good, limes, honey and a real mineraly finish. Needs more time to develop.
2004 Voyager Estate Chardonnay – great depth of peach like fruit with notes of nuts and vanilla. Good length and freshness.
1998 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz – excellent. Rich, generous yet balanced.
1998 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz – excellent. Very different in style to the Rockford but they could not be split for quality of fruit.
2000 Houghton Jack Mann Cab Sav – goo but needs time. Still tannic and unyielding

Xmas Night

Lanson Black Label NV – good as usual.
Nicolas Feuillatte NV – not as fine as the Lanson but still quite good.
1998 St Hallets Old Block Shiraz – in the slot to drink now. Superb sweet fruit nose and smooth, balanced palate of typical Barossa plums and berries.
2002 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz – wow. Step up after the Old Block. This wine is starting to come together.
1999 Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz – maybe have been slightly corked. A little flat on the night.
2002 Torbreck Steading GSM – perfect drinking now. Lots of meaty, plummy fruit and hints of leather.
1999 Grant Burge Holy Trinity GSM – more reserved style than the Torbreck, less meaty but with surprisingly fresh fruit for a GSM of this age.

Throw in some Trumer Pils and some Lowenbrau and I am feeling a little tired.

[Wayno]

Piper Heidseck NV
Developed reasonably well, light bronze colouring and pleasant yeasty overtones. Fresh, a bit of lively lemon and nice length of flavour.

Orlando St Helga Riesling 2005
Dry, lemon and limes, in good shape and still decently austere.

Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2005
Quite pleasant, just a touch of textural butteriness but seemed to be a touch too sweet for me and not just fruit sweet. OK.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2002
Gosh what a cracker! I love this wine, it's so upfront and bold yet still clearly varietal. Some secondary characters starting to creep in, hints of meatiness and smoky, bacony savoury notes. Just delicious and my last.

Orlando Lawsons Shiraz 1999
Drinking superbly, all the mint slice in the world singing with velvet cushioned oak and berry fruits. A rich, inky and long wine that feels a bit like a classic to me.

Woodstock Botrytis 2005
Fresh, lively, curranty fairly simple but good drinking.

Gramps Botrytis 2002
Honourable mention but I think this was left a bit too long. Fruit dropped off a bit and mostly just hot alcohol in it's place. Still reasonable though.

[Craig(NZ)]

2003 Chateau Rieussec Sauternes

How did you find this Jordan?? I found it very overblown and over the top - almost undrinkable.

[Mike Hawkins]

Craig,

I've had two bottles (750ml) of the 03 Rieussec in the past week (and 6 in the last 6 months) and I love it. Yes, its much more in your face than the 2001 due to the latter's higher acid, but I find it simply hedonistic.

It is a medium term cellaring proposition IMO (by Sauternes standards) and just the thing to go with sticky date pudding.

Cheers

Mike

[Matthew Moate]

I took quite a few wines down but we only ended up drinking the Magnum of Langmeil 1997 Freedom Shiraz and the 1998 Limited Release Jacobs Creek Cabernet.

Fantastic wine. The 750ML's are probably past it. But the 1.5L (had one last year too) has developed superbly. Lovely chocolate, tabacco with still strong fruit driving and the classic Barossa Shiraz spice. The dusty tannins were certainly well integrated. 94pts.

We also cracked a 1998 Orlando Jacobs Creek Cab Sauv. This was also holding on quite nicely. Still plenty of fruit drive. Not too heavy on the oak but definately persistant. With a hint of green leaf, tobacco, chocolate, some spice. Not as powerful as the above mentioned shiraz and perhaps not as complex. 92pts.

Today we drag out the 99 Dead Arm and some Karra Yerta Rieslings...

[seddo]

Lunch:
Wendouree Cab sauv 1994
Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 1997

Dinner:
Pheasant Farm Shiraz 2002


cheers
Seddo

[Ian S]

1964 Nervi Gattinara (Nebbiolo from Northern Piemonte) had dropped it's colour and yes was sadly past it (though not so far it won't be of use in the kitchen).

1989 Remoissenet Gevrey-Chambertin was pulled out as a replacement and it was in fine form, with a youthful appearance. It was a good match for Guinea-Fowl.

[Mark S]

2000 Mt Mary Pinot Noir
1992 Wendouree Malbec
1997 Wynns John Riddoch Cab Sav
1998 St Hallets Old Block Shiraz

Hey Jordan, would be most interested in your impressions of these (as I've got some but haven't tried) Ta.

[Jordan]

2003 Chateau Rieussec Sauternes

How did you find this Jordan?? I found it very overblown and over the top - almost undrinkable.

I found it quite rich for Sauternes but not undrinkable by any means.

2000 Mt Mary Pinot Noir
1992 Wendouree Malbec
1997 Wynns John Riddoch Cab Sav
1998 St Hallets Old Block Shiraz

Hey Jordan, would be most interested in your impressions of these (as I've got some but haven't tried) Ta.

I added impressions to my original post.

The Mt Mary was truly excellent, the Wendouree Malbec good but not as enjoyable as a previous bottle, not sure abut the 1997 Riddoch (perhaps needs time) and I think the Old Block is a very good drink right at the moment.

[Peter NZ]

Mumm NV
Deutz Marlborough Blanc de Blanc 2003
St Clair Wairau Reserve SB 2007
Clearview Reserve Chardonnay 2002 (corked)
Te Mata Elston 2002
Pegasus Bay Riesling 2001 & 2006
Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir 1999
Akarua Pinot Noir 2002
Church Road Reserve Noble Semillon 2002
Mission Noble Semillon 2005

Highlights: St Clair, Te Mata & Akarua.
Biggest disappointment: Mt Difficulty -- okay vs stunning a few months ago

[/b]

[river]

Xmas Eve

1996 Henschke Julius Eden Valley Riesling - Deep golden straw in the glass, fully developed slightly austere with a fair hint of kero and a touch of lime. Very good.

2006 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett - Almost hinting at spatlese sweetness offering up a bevy of tropical flavours finishes long and well rounded. Very good.

1985 E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde - Decanted for an hour prior, beautiful rich ripe mature wine offering plenty of earthy smokey complex notes. Loved it. Excellent

Xmas Day

Daniel Le Brun No1 Cuvee NV - Quite a good methode and an enjoyable start to the day.

2004 Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay -Well structured and tight
with a dash of lemon everything in balance drinking well now but I'm sure would benefit from some more cellar time. Very good.

1991 Jasper Hill Georga's Paddock Shiraz - Fully developed slightly meaty complex and rich, very enjoyable.

2001 Chateau Liot Sauterne - Still quite young although approachable, flavours of apricot and peach plenty of acidity not overly complex but very enjoyable. Needs more time.

[Rick Morcom]

Rockford Black (02 disg) - truly excellent
1990 Leonay - starting to get a bit tired
1990 St Henri - truly excellent
1998 De Bertoli Noble One - again excellent

Plus large amounts of Corona and Peroni

[Ryan]

the only wine i had that I don't sell was on Xmas night at a bbq with lamb steaks and good company.

1998 Tamburlaine Reserve "red"
My first experience with an aged hunter red. Absolutely superb. There's an interesting yet long winded story as to how i scored this bottle, but it was immaculate - the cork was in absolutely supreme condition - the wine, even better. Had to be shiraz, with perhaps a touch of merlot. Lovely crimson colour, with nose of sweaty saddle and some lively fruits - plum & blackberry, medium bodied palate showed similar characters to the nose, with a touch of vanilla, earthy vegative character and sweet-ish spice backed by very well integrated superfine tannins. Lengthy aftertaste of sweaty saddle and vanilla. Absolutely stunning.

Tempted now to try and find a 98 graveyard, see how it stacks up.

[n4sir]

A bottle of 2005 Schild Estate Merlot Christmas Eve, then some pretty low-key stuff with the family for Christmas lunch - Jacobs Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir, 2006 Banrock Station Crimson Cabernet & 2006 Ross Estate ROSS Tempranillo, followed by a good chunk of Johnnie Walker Gold Label playing Texas-draw poker.

I spent Christmas evening with the neighbours and took a 1999 Peter Lehmann Black Queen but it never got opened, instead we drank lots of Coopers Pale Ale & Coronas playing (more) Texas-draw, then Jägerbombs to finish.

Cheers,
Ian

[tpang]

Been delayed from all the lunches, dinners and drinks.. didn't have much this year but a few decent bottles..

2005 Torbreck Saignee (wasn't flash)
1990 Petaluma Coonawarra (still vibrant and loads of fruit)
2001 Chateau Beaucastel (elegant, beautiful drink)
2001 Vieux Telegraphe la Crau (young and vibrant, very tasty)

2006 Kay Bros Cuthbert Cab Sauv (one-dimensional, too simple)

1976 Fixin, Burgundy (beautiful, silky smooth, a lesson in good cellaring)

2002 horizontal of the 5 first-growths (what a shame there wasn't a petrus)

[seanwines]

For Xmas

2005 Majella Sparkling Shiraz

1998 Eileen Hardy Shiraz

1995 Annies Lane Contours Shiraz

Had the two shiraz in the wrong order, the Eileen totaly over-powered the Annies Lane

[David]

Heaps.

[Dave Dewhurst]

Charles Heidsieck Mis en Cave 2003, good mousse but a little lighter on the bready and yeasty style that I usually prefer. The 98 and 01 come to mind here. Still good though and a nice match with oysters.

Bodegas Fefiñanes Albarino, 2006, just gorgeous, rapier like acidity, gentle lemony tones, well integrated. Less fruit forward than the 04 and 05 and much better for it! Great with crays and prawns. Know the importer of this very well so usual caveats apply!

Patrick T Coonawarra Rieslings 2003, 2004, 2006, lovely set of wines, the older two with mild lemon, apple and a touch of honey and kero, with softened acidity. The young pup was all zingy lemon, touched by apples and racy acidity.

Chateau Tirecul la Gravière, Monbazillac, 1997, toffee and honey sweet but with reasonable acidity so not cloying. I think these wines are generally botrytal but there was not much evidence of this immediately, although some orange and sweet lemony notes did come through after an hour or so. OK with soft and blue cheese although neither cheese nor wine was really enhanced or detracted from by the other.

Cheers

Dave

[Daniel Jess]

2005 Majella Sparkling Shiraz

How did you find this? Compared to another sparkling shiraz you've recently had??

Look forward to hearing from you.

[redwine]

Ridge Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2005
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 1999
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 1998
Grant Burge Meshach 1992
Maximim Grünhäuser Riesling Auslese Abtsberg 1996
Yarra Yering Potsorts 1998

All great stuff, the Meshach was in a wonderful condition, just a fraction behind the BP 1998 and the BP 1999 even outshining the 1998. The Potsorts was worth every penny as well.

Cheers.

[Adair]

I have enjoyed wines at a number of parties as well as a few bottles along over the past weeks. Here as some off the top of my head:

* 2005 Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon - Big and ripe and well-balanced too. Nice drink
* 2004 Wynn’s Cabernet Sauvignon - 13.5%: Medium bodied. Long and complex. Will age excellently.
* 2005 Redbank Long Paddock Shiraz - Beautiful wine. Sweetly spices, rich dark cherry fruit and silky. Bargain of the Year contestant. Maybe winner.
* 2004 Bleasdale Cabernet Sauvignon - A little overripe and jammy. Nice for some.
* 2006 Pewsey Riesling - Focussed, mouth filling and finely structured. Excellent.
2005 Howard Park Chardonnay - Very restrained, Chablis-like Chardonnay, but didn't convince me.
* 2007 Petaluma Riesling - Complex and intense, but structurally boring.
* (drinking this as I type) NV Centennial Sparkling - Yay! The first wine from Southern Highland fruit that is worth buying... and in fact it is a cracker. Worth every cent of $30. Very elegant, light and long. Great breakfast / hangover wine. The French would like it. I suspect so would TORB! Classy.
* 2 x 2005 Disgorged Rockford Blacks - Very good
* Charles Heidsieck Mis en Cave 2003 - Ripe with complex honeyed citris fruits with light bready characters. Middle palate takes a little time in the glass to fill out. Creamy with soft acidity. Well balanced. The is good but I have had better examples disgorgements/mis en caves
* 2005 Yarra Burn Sparkling - excellent at $17
* 2006 Taltarni Tache - not as good as 2005 but might need a little longer for the confected red fruits to meld.
OK... too many to write up...
* 1997 Chateaux La Tour Blanche
* 2001 Wendouree Muscat of Alexandria
* 2004 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec
* 2005 Shaw & Smith Shiraz - Excellent.
* 2005 Wendouree Malbec, Cabernet Malbec, Pressings - all excellent - I think I also had the Shiraz Mataro and Shiraz Malbec. Yep, I am sure... now where did I put those notes! Only not opened the straight Shiraz and CS from the 2005s. Gee, long Christmas! I will open more and post. May as well drink a few now as they should not be touched for another 15 years.
* 1995 Crabtree Riesling - holding well. Lovely.
* 2005 Orlando Steingarten - Seriously balanced and beautiful. 96/100. Ready to admire now.
* Humbug Reach Riesling 2006 I think - Juicy. Lovely.
* 2007 Sturt University Chardonnay from Orange fruit - sensation value at around $10. Should be $22. Classy fruit driven wine with restraint and focus with a hint of spicy new oak. 91/100.

I know there are more but I can't remember at this time. The 2005 Steingarten and 2005 Redbank Long Paddock Shiraz are the wines that have really caught my attention over the past week, for different and similar reasons. Back to my sparking. I hope you are having a great Christmas break.

Kind regards,
Adair

[Jay60A]

All great stuff, the Meshach was in a wonderful condition, just a fraction behind the BP 1998 and the BP 1999 even outshining the 1998

Yeah, that 1999 BP just seems to be the complete package. Very balanced wine. What I would like to drink every day. I think it needs another 3-5 years though.

2005 Howard Park Riesling - Very restrained, Chablis-like Chardonnay, but didn't convince me.

Adair - One hell of an unusual Riesling?
Thanks for the notes, I need to hunt down some Steingarten 05 next time it goes on special. Not in huge demand in the UK mid-winter right now.

Just close family so -
Jacobs Creek Riesling 07 - nice quaffer, easy, bit "lemon-rind". Acceptable/Good.
Bernard Faurie Hermitage 05 - top quality N.Rhone. Achieves power and length with minimal oak and no viognier. Excellent/Outstanding.
St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 04 - initially quite closed. Very good Barossa but no real wow factor. Very good.
Ch. Reynella Basket Press 04 - gorgeous fruit, top quality McLaren Vale gear, good length. Very good/Excellent.

Cheers -- Jay[/b]

[Adair]

2005 Howard Park Riesling - Very restrained, Chablis-like Chardonnay, but didn't convince me.

Adair - One hell of an unusual Riesling?
Thanks for the notes, I need to hunt down some Steingarten 05 next time it goes on special. Not in huge demand in the UK mid-winter right now.

Needed to make at least one mistake to reflect my state of mind and body. (changed note above to Chardonnay... I think I had a HP Riesling as well in the last month and that didn't convince me to buy another bottle either! )
Turn the heater up and crack a 2005 Steingarten! However, it is very similar to the 2003, so if you have had the 2003, no need to try too hard for a bottle.
Good to hear from you. No doubt you are enjoying the French selection over there.
Kind regards,
Adair

[Roddy]

Penfolds Grandfather vs Seppelt Para 1986 on Crimbo day. The Grandfather edged it, but they were both lovely tawnys.

[Bick]

Xmas eve:
05 Voyager Estate Chardonnay (rich, slightly creamy, grapefruit and green apple, long)
05 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir (med bodied, quite delicate, a touch green. Finished btl on Xmas day and then it was velvety, rich, ripe and integrated - better than day one)

Xmas Day:
NV Pol Roger Reserve (biscuit & lemon, nice, popular with the in-laws)
04 Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir (enjoyed this... more later on Pinots over the hols though, as I'm working my way through half a dozen NZ icons...)